Mitchell Dam Rehabilitation Limits Angler Access

NORTHEAST IOWA — Water levels across several rivers and lakes are being adjusted in preparation for upcoming rehabilitation projects, most notably at the Mitchell Dam on Cedar River. Anglers can expect reduced access and lower water levels during the work period, which will last until the project is complete. Fishing conditions across the region vary, with good catches reported for species like black crappie, smallmouth bass and walleye in multiple locations. Water clarity remains mostly good, though algae blooms have affected visibility in some lakes. Caution is advised for anyone venturing on the water, especially as temperatures fluctuate between the low 80s during the day and cooler nights. Cedar River (above Nashua)The Mitchell dam in Mitchell will undergo a rehabilitation project on the powerhouse intake structure, requiring the impoundment to be lowered by October 1. River levels will be lowered one foot per day until desired levels are achieved. After completion, water levels will be allowed to return. Users should prepare for limited access due to lowered water levels. The river below the dam will not be dewatered. Black crappie are good. Try fishing near brush piles using a minnow or red worm under a bobber. Channel catfish are good. Try worms or chubs fished on the bottom in calm water or the edge of the current. Smallmouth bass are excellent. Use crankbaits in off channel areas or eddies. Walleye are good. Find walleye in deeper water; try jigs tipped with minnow or spinnerbaits. Decorah District Streams All announced and unannounced streams stocked this week. Streams are in excellent condition. Wild parsnip is dying back. Don't touch this plant; it can cause painful blisters. Terrestrial insects are more abundant as the heat of summer progresses. Gnats, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are out in force. Good hatches of mayflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, crickets and ants Brook trout are slow. Sneak up on brook trout for a better chance to catch one of these beauties. Brown trout are good. Try fishing near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinnerbaits work well. Also try streamers on larger waterbodies. Brown trout like cloudy water. Rainbow trout are good. Use spinnerbaits, hair jigs or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floated through deeper holes. Lake HendricksWater clarity is about 3 feet. Water temperature in the low 80s. Black crappie are good. Try small jigs tipped with minnow in about 6 feet of water. Bluegill are fair. Bluegills are shallow; use a small piece of worm or waxworm. Channel catfish are fair. Try nightcrawler or squashed minnow on hook near bottom. Largemouth bass are good. Use topwater lures along the edge of vegetation. Lake MeyerLake clarity is about two feet due to an algae bloom. Clarity is improving with cooler temperatures. Water temperature is in the low 80s. Most fish suspended at depths not greater than six feet. Black crappie are good. Use spinnerbaits or jig tipped with minnow in six feet of water or less. Trolling is a great option. Bluegill are good. Try small hooks tipped with a waxworm or small piece of worm under bobber. Channel catfish are slow. Use nightcrawler on hook fished at bottom. Largemouth bass are good. Try spinnerbait along the edge of vegetation. North Bear Creek Stream habitat improvements completed on upper North Bear downstream of 380th St. bridge with seeding and mulching. Improvements between 128th Ave. and 380th Street will starting end of September. Rainbow Trout are slow. Turkey River (above Clermont) Water clarity is good. Use caution when on water. Visit the National Water Prediction Service webpage for more information. Smallmouth bass are good. Use shallow running crankbaits or spinners along current breaks or rocky shores. Walleye are good. Try fishing near evening along rocky shorelines or current breaks. Turkey River (below Clermont)Water clarity is good to excellent. Use caution when on the water. Visit the National Water Prediction Service webpage for more. Smallmouth Bass are good. Find smallies in deeper holes or near rock ledges. Walleye are good. Use crankbaits or jigs tipped with plastics in off channel areas. Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)Water level is low with good clarity. Use caution on the water. Smallmouth bass are good. Find bass along rock ledges and deeper pools around woody habitat. Walleye are good. Find walleye in deeper runs or pools and in back eddies; use spinnerbaits or a jig tipped with a plastic worm. Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)Water level is low with improved clarity. Smallmouth bass are good. Find smallies in off channel areas and back eddies; use spinners or streamers. Walleye are fair. Find walleyes in deeper water and back eddies. Evening bite is best; try spinners or crankbaits. Volga LakeWater clarity is improving. Water temperature is in the 80s. Black crappie are good. Find crappies in 6 feet of water or less or near drop-offs; use a jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegill are good. Try a small piece of worm on a hook under bobber near brush or rocky areas. Channel catfish are good. Use a squished minnow or worm fished on the bottom. Largemouth bass are good. Try spinners or crankbaits along jetties or drop-offs. Volga RiverWater levels are stable to low with good to excellent clarity. Visit the National Water Prediction Service webpage for details. Smallmouth bass are good. Try fishing in deeper pool using top water lures or a light colored jig with twister tail. Water levels on area rivers and streams are falling or stabilizing. Water clarity is good to excellent. Weekend temperatures in the low 80s to upper 40s at night. For more info, contact Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563 382-8324. Become a part of the exclusive circle! 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